Roadways

Asphalt demand increasing

World demand for asphalt products is projected to increase 2.3% per year to 114 million metric tons in 2009, according to a report by The Freedonia Group, Cleveland.

North America is the largest regional market for asphalt, accounting for 36% of total world demand in 2004. The United States, with its extensive network of roads and highways and significant expenditures on construction activity, represents the largest national market for asphalt and dominates North American consumption.

Paving products, which accounted for 85% of world asphalt demand in 2004, are projected to continue to dominate consumption, reflecting improved levels of road building activity. Demand for asphalt in roofing products will increase 2.2% annually to nearly 15 million metric tons in 2009.